The Gospel Of Repentance

The writer does not know how widely this view is held, but there are some who believe when Jesus died, that his spirit went to hell and preached the gospel to the dead. [i] The question then would be if he indeed did this, to whom did he evangelize and why? In 1 Peter 3:18-20 we read this, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison who formerly were disobedient when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls were saved through water.” The term preached in verse 19 is the Greek work kērussō which means to herald or proclaim. This is not in reference to preaching the gospel which is defined by a different Greek word, euangelizō. The spirits mentioned in verse 19 are not in reference to human spirits, but demon spirits. B...

This is an interesting issue and a tough one I’m sure for many people when they read the account in the book of Exodus. Without careful study, it can be a very confusing narrative, and raise questions about the actions of God in dealing with Pharaoh. I will try to make some sense of it. God speaking to Moses we read In Exodus 7:3-4, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and multiply signs, and my wonders in the land of Egypt, but Pharaoh will not heed you so that I may bring My armies and My people, the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt with great judgments.” However in Exodus 7:13, 23; 8:15,32; 9:6,34,35 it says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart and refused to heed the warnings of the Lord and let Israel go free. So here’s the apparent dilemma if these passages are not handled properly. On the surface it appears that God is hardening Pharaoh’s heart and subsequently punishing him for his obstinacy in refusing to let the people go. If that was the only reason...

The writer list several things that we are to do: A. Continue in brotherly love (vs. 1) B. Be kind to strangers (vs. 2) C. Be married, don't fornicate (vs. 4) D. Follow the faithful that have spoken the word to you (vs. 7, 17, 24).

The writer declares for us to run this race with patience as a result of the litany of heroes mentioned in the previous chapter. The writer declares that non of us will suffer to the degree that Jesus suffered (vs. 1-4). Writer also exhorts us not to despise the chastening of the Lord for it's for our good and continued holiness (vs 5-11). Verses 13-17 commands us  to walk uprightly and holy. The believer's righteous lifestyle aids in bringing the unregenerate to Christ. No one is brought to faith by osmosis. God uses men to deliver his word to convict all of sin. Finally, the writer recounts what happened in Exodus 19 and 20 when the children of Israel were at Mt. Sinai and were forbidden to go near the mountain when God through Moses gave the decalogue (i.e. ten commandments). Writer contrasts that account with the reality that we have been brought to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, where an innumerable company of angels dwell. This is our final glorious desti...

This chapter deals with the heroes of the  Faith. These individuals are regarded as godly examples of those who exhibited great faith in God in all types of circumstances. True faith in God is what declares one righteous in the sight of God. Key verse - Hebrews 11:6, "but without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a re-warder of those that diligently seek Him." Those described in this chapter: - Abel vs. 4 - Enoch vs. 5 - Abraham vs. 8-9 - Sarah vs. 10 - Isaac  vs. 20 - Jacob vs. 21 - Joseph vs. 22 - Moses vs. 22-29 All these people and more believed God, looking forward to the promise(s) of God having never obtained them fully in their lifetime. Enduring faith believes God unto death, not just a little while. This type of faith is patient, bold and fearless. This type of faith walks in full persuasion, trust and confidence in the word of God without wavering (2 Cor 4:18). This faith is motiva...

Once again the writer reminds his readers that the sacrifice of bulls and goats could never remove sins; rather the ongoing sacrifices were a constant reminder of their sins. Their consciences were tainted because of sins (vs. 1-4). In fact, the Lord never desired burnt sacrifices; they were merely types and shadows of the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ himself on the cross [(God the Father's altar) (vs. 5-10 from Psalm 40:6-8)]. Jesus sacrifice on the cross ratified the new/everlasting covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-32, (vs. 11-18). Vs. 18 is the same as Hebrews 9:22. Verse 22 fulfills the O.T. ritual of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement when he washed in the basin outside the tabernacle after which he would put on the holy garments to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies to atone for his sins, his family and the entire nation (vs 19-22). We're to keep believing in what Christ did for us without any doubt. God is faithful vs. 23. Verse...

And you who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.                                                                                                                                       - Colossians 2:13 The phrase "born dead" is an oxymoron. How can one be alive and dead at the same time? Well, that is the way all mankind is born due to Adam and Eve's original sin in the Garden of Eden. Man is physically alive, but spiritually dead. He has no life inside of him - a zombie, a corpse - seriously living on borrowed time. Jesus said to the religious leaders...